Industry Ink: ACM Lifting Lives, ProMO Image, Jason Aldean, “Rize Up For Rizor,” Warner Music Nashville, Inspire Nashville

ACM Lifting Lives deadline is tomorrow, Sept. 30, 2014 for accepting submissions for the 2014 Grant Cycle. For information on submitting a grant request, visit acmliftinglives.org. Funding decisions and notifications will be made in November 2014.

ACM Lifting Lives, the Academy of Country Music’s philanthropic arm, is dedicated to improving lives through the power of music. Through grant cycles, ACM Lifting Lives provides funding to programs that promote education and healing with a musical connection.

• • •

Broken Bow Records’ Jason Aldean‘s latest single “Burnin’ It Down,” has earned platinum certification by the RIAA in just nine weeks, making it the fastest-selling single of 2014. The song is from Aldean’s upcoming sixth studio album Old Boots, New Dirt, which releases Oct. 7.

“We definitely got a few sideways looks and some raised eyebrows when we released this thing,” Aldean said. “It’s so awesome that my fans trust that I have a pretty good ear for the kinds of songs they will like, and that they follow me to new places with each album. I couldn’t be happier with all the excitement around the new music…it definitely feels like we’ve got something pretty cool happening going into album release.”

• • •

Matt Rizor

A benefit will be held for booking agent Matt Rizor on Oct. 6 at Cannery Ballroom. “Rize Up For Matt Rizor” will feature performances from Keith Anderson, Blackjack Billy, and Walker McGuire. A auction will also be held, with items including Nashville Symphony tickets, studio time, Nashville Predators tickets, meet & greet tickets to a Sara Evans show, a six-month membership to Hotbox fitness, and more.

Doors will open at 6 pm., and the event will be held from 7 pm.-10 p.m. Tickets range from $10-35, and are available at rizeup.eventbrite.com, or at the door.

On Friday, Aug. 15, Rizor was walking home on West End Avenue in Nashville and was hit by a dark colored sedan without its headlights on. Rizor was in critical condition at Vanderbilt hospital for a month, and is now at Vanderbilt’s Stallworth Rehab hospital. The concert benefit will aid in paying Rizor’s medical bills.

• • •

Elektra Records artist Jana Kramer was the featured artist performer during Warner Music Nashville’s final Pickin’ on the Patio of 2014. Sponsors for the event included GiGi’s Cupcakes, Aramark, Ajax Turner/Bud Light, Jackson’s and Patron.

Pictured (L-R): Kevin Herring (SVP, Promotion), Scott Hendricks (EVP, A&R), John Esposito (President & CEO, WMN), Jana Kramer, Peter Strickland (EVP & GM, WMN) Tom Martens (Dir., National Promotion), Chris Palmer (VP, Promotion) Lisa Ray (VP, Brand Management)

 • • •

CAA’s Rod Essig is this year’s recipient of the second annual Inspiration Award from Inspire Nashville. Essig will receive the honor on Oct. 14 at Marathon Music Village in Nashville, where he will be feted by superstar performances and special guests.

Essig co-heads the Nashville office, and represents artists including Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, Ashley Monroe, REO Speedwagon, and others. Prior to joining CAA in 1993,  Essig was VP and co-owner of Minneapolis-based booking agency Variety Artists International. He is a 1997 graduate of Leadership Music, and is on the board of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Lifting Lives, Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital, MusiCares, NARAS, NATD, Tennessee Film Commission, Tennessee Performing Arts Center, and the WO Smith School Board.

For more information on Inspire Nashville, visit inspirenashville.net.

• • •

Shelly Mullins

Shelly Mullins has formed ProMO Image, a publicity, marketing, event promotions, and management company. Mullins recently worked for Webster & Associates.

She can be reached at shellylynnmullins@gmail.com, or at 615-516-760.